Take a break from the hayrides and apple picking and tap into your sense of fear at one of these haunted spots for an entertaining and terrifying experience. – Andy Tran
Shocktober
601 Catoctin Circle NE, Leesburg
At Shocktober there is one ghastly and frightening haunted house called Paxton Manor with a dreaded country theme. In the basement is the Haunted Well of Souls, dark and creepy with monsters lurking around each cob-webbed corner. There is also a coffin simulator where you are welcomed to climb inside, the deathly experience lasts about three minutes. And finally the vortex tunnel, a 20- to 30-foot long contraption that throws you off balance and into chaos. If sweat-dripping terror isn’t your thing, you can buy a “no-scare” glow necklace at the door for $5, letting the vampires and ghouls know to take it easy on you. / Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in October, as well as November 1, from 7-10:30 p.m.; $30 for the Shocktober Package; $25 for Paxton manor; $10 for Haunted Well of Souls.
Bradley Farm Haunted House
13159 New Parkland Drive, Herndon
This dark, menacing house is filled with loud noises and a gloomy stench; witches, ghosts, goblins and crazy clowns can be found in the house, terrorizing people from left to right, in all good fun, of course. This attraction is sure to frighten and satisfy both younger audiences and older teens/adults. At this haunted house, be prepared to be scared. / Oct. 24 from 6-10 p.m. and October 25 from 1-5 p.m. and 6-10 p.m. Tickets are only $5.
Route 29 Haunted Farm
4484 Lee Highway, Warrenton
Do not bring young kids or scaredy-cat friends to the Route 29 Haunted Farm unless you want them to have nightmares for months. For twenty minutes, you and your loved ones will get to walk around the haunted farm and experience the terrors in the night. The looming trees and the hard ground will both seem that much more treacherous as you find the ghouls jumping out at you behind bushes and rocks. Not only will you get a great fright, but there’s plenty of food at the concessions stands. / Every Friday and Saturday in October, and November 1 from 7-10:30 p.m.; $15.
Clifton Haunted Trail
Chapel St., Clifton
The Clifton Haunted trail is certain to scare the living daylights out of you and your friends. A long, meandering trail, chock full of banshees, bloody zombies, and creepy skeletons, is an attraction that will not disappoint. As patrons walk down the dim-lit path, your bravery or fear will surely appear once the trail has ended. Started in 2001, the trail has been scaring people for over 13 years and is as entertaining as it is thrilling. / Oct. 25 from 7-10 p.m.; $15, $10 for children 12 and under.
Haunted Hollow
8275 Maple Tree Lane, Warrenton
Enter into the Haunted Hollow, if you dare. This strange establishment has ties to mysterious farm accidents and shocking diary entries. During the walk around the haunted farm there will be strobe lights, fog, and intense noises. The farm itself is shabby and boarded up with rusty nails and rotted wooden planks. Turn back if you’re afraid, for the twenty-minute thrilling journey will take your breath from your lungs and replace it with fear. / Every Friday and Saturday in October starting at 7 p.m.; $15.
(October 2014)
